Renovating your home can be a significant financial investment. Knowing what to expect before the project begins will help you better prepare for the process. Hiring the right contractor can determine whether your project is a success or a nightmare. Here are questions to ask your contractor before renovating your home, as well as tips and tricks to ensure you find a licensed professional.

“What is your background? How much experience does one have with this work?”

Everybody deserves a precise stage, but you do not want your home to be a training ground for novice contractors.

It’s a fundamental question, so don’t be shy about asking how long your contractor has been in the industry and how long they’ve run their company. Ask about their experience with the particular renovations you’re planning for your home.

“Are you licensed?”

Your contractor must be able to hide the prices related to any accidents that occur while functioning on your project. If a possible contractor is uninsured, walk away. You’ll assume liability for their safety, a foothold you do not want to be in. It’s also essential to recollect that being licensed isn’t identical to being inspected.

General insurance protects your home from damage or negligence of the contractor, employees, and any sub-contractors brought onto your property. Please resist the temptation to require your contractor at their word; it’s unfortunate, but the reward isn’t definitely worth the risk. Protect your liability and acquire peace of mind by requesting a duplicate of your contractor’s insurance certificate and take care to test the expiration dates. You’ll also call the issuing authority and verify the insurance is valid.

“Do you have workers’ compensation insurance”

Workers’ compensation insurance can protect you from liability in the event you are injured while functioning on your property. Confirm to rent an insured general contractor.

Will you hire sub-contractors on this project?

Most contractors use trade contractors to some extent, so knowing how this can impact your project is vital. Make sure to grasp precisely who’s acting on your home and whether the contractor is there to supervise.

If you agree with the prospect of sub-contractors acting on your project, make sure to raise the names and speak to information of everyone who’ll be present at your home. That way, you will always have a minimum of one point of contact.

“How many building permits have you ever obtained in this area?”

Some general contractors might not be accustomed to your area and, therefore, the specific codes associated with your property. as an example, if you reside in a vicinity that’s populated with an excessive number of heritage homes, you’ll face restrictions on the kind of renovations you’re allowed to create. While not a deal-breaker, it can help if your contractor is conversant in local codification requirements and permitting process.

“Are you comfortable providing an inventory of past clients?”

A reliable general contractor should don’t have any problem providing references.

Contractor Mike Holmes suggests you take the time to contact at least 20 clients for whom the contractor has done a similar job. Then, you’ll know the kind of labor they’ll do and the level of service you’ll expect.

“What may be a realistic timeline for this project?”

You should ask your contractor to be as specific as possible. While unexpected problems might arise because the project unfolds, an experienced contractor should be able to provide a timeline for the completion of the project.

Ask for a schedule that outlines the completion date and various milestones. This provides measurable goals to confirm that your project stays heading in the right direction.

But remember, renovations usually take longer than planned. Ask about your contractor’s future commitments because you do not want them to disappear to a different job before completing your project.

“How many projects are you working on?”

Answers to the present question provide something of a double-edged sword. On the one hand, you would like them to be a bit busy. Otherwise, you will question why you’re the sole one hiring them.

Conversely, if your contractor has too many projects relative to their capacity, the standard of your renovations could also be affected.

“Will you take care of building permits?”

There are some costs and extra time required for obtaining building permits. Your contractor will ensure this in a perfect world. With the experienced professional handling the permitting process and fixing the inspections, your job should run smoothly and comply with regulations.

That said, I aim to be present for the house inspection to confirm it takes place and reviews the inspector’s feedback. If any alterations to your house are required, you will have to grasp them.

“Who will purchase the materials?”

Most contractors will receive building materials at wholesale prices and will be willing to pass some of those savings on to you. But, it’s essential to define the responsibilities associated with your project, such as the collection of materials and whether the costs are included in your quote. 

You will always choose the right contractor here, contact us now.